HPV Vaccination Rates Among Children

Research reveals that approximately 38.6% of children aged 9 to 17 in the United States had received at least one dose of the HPV vaccine by 2022.

The Human Papillomavirus vaccine has been around for two decades, but despite its availability and protectiveness against cervical cancer, it remains a vaccine many Americans are not getting.

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) worldwide. While most infections can clear up on their own within two years, some types of HPV can cause warts on various parts of the body, while others are associated with various cancers.

Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sheds light on vaccination rates and critical factors influencing uptake. Research reveals that approximately 38.6% of children aged 9 to 17 in the United States had received at least one dose of the HPV vaccine by 2022. Uptake increased with age, from 7.3% at age 9 to 10 years to 30.9% at age 11 to 12, 48.8% at age 13 to 14, and 56.9% at age 15 to 17.

Vaccine coverage remains low in the U.S., with findings revealing notable differences in vaccination rates among different demographics. Children covered by private health insurance were more likely to have higher vaccination rates, with 41.5% having received at least one dose, compared to 37% among those with Medicaid coverage and 20.7% among the uninsured.

The geographical aspect also played a role in vaccination rates. Those living in metropolitan areas had higher vaccination rates than those in nonmetropolitan regions. For instance, children in large central urban areas had a vaccination rate of 39.4%.

What’s Behind Low Uptake

There are other reasons why HPV vaccinations have stalled, with the most frequent cause being parents citing safety concerns. Each HPV vaccine has undergone strict safety testing before the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) licenses it. For the last 15 years, the HPV vaccine has continued to be monitored and researched, with each year showing that the vaccine is safe. Doctors urge parents to get their kids vaccinated with HPV before they become sexually active, which can also deter parents from scheduling an appointment. Regardless of the reason, discussing issues with your healthcare provider can help eliminate any concerns or questions you may have about vaccines.

There are minor side effects that can occur after receiving an HPV vaccine, like any medicine. Swelling, fever, dizziness, nausea, and joint pain are mild side effects that tend to clear up within 1 to 2 days.

When to get vaccinated

It’s recommended that HPV vaccination should be given to those aged 11–12 years. Vaccination is recommended to start as early as age 9 and continue up to age 26 for females and up to age 21 for males who have not completed the vaccine series previously. HPV vaccination can be recommended for individuals aged 27–45 years who have not been adequately vaccinated.

How HPV Infection Leads to Cancer

With more than 42 million Americans infected with types of HPV each year, it remains the most common disease out there. nearly everyone will be transmitted the virus at some point, which can linger in the immune system and turn normal cells into abnormal cells and then cancer. About 10% of women with HPV infection on their cervix will develop long-lasting HPV infections that put them at risk for cervical cancer.

The Importance of Getting Vaccinated

Since its introduction, the HPV vaccine has significantly reduced cancer-causing infections and precancers. This vaccination has helped the United States see a decrease of 88% in HPV-related cancers and genital warts in teenage girls, and 81% in adults. These findings underscore the importance of vaccinations in reducing the risk of life-altering diseases.

. . .

Sources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: National Center for Health Statistics

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

The Lancet Regional Health: Factors associated with parental human papillomavirus vaccination intentions among adolescents from socioeconomically advantaged versus deprived households: a nationwide, cross-sectional survey

Getting the HPV Vaccine During Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month (CCAM) and it’s an opportunity to raise awareness about the prevention and early intervention of one of the most common and preventable cancers in women.

Cervical cancer develops slowly over time and starts in the cells of the cervix. The cervix connects the upper part of the uterus and anyone with a cervix can develop cervical cancer. Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by persistent infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection, and while most infections clear on their own, persistent infections can lead to cervical cancer over time. The body’s immune system typically prevents HPV from doing any harm, however, in a small percentage of people, the virus survives for years and contributes to the process that causes some cervical cells to become cancer cells.

In 2020, 11,542 new cases of cervical cancer were reported among women in the United States, and 4,272 women died of this cancer. Every day in Tennessee, a woman is diagnosed with cervical cancer, and every three days one dies from the disease. Globally, cervical cancer is in the top ten most common cancers in women, with 604,000 new cases recorded in 2020. About 90% of the 342,000 deaths caused by cervical cancer occurred in low- and middle-income countries.

Risk Factors:

Other risk factors can contribute to the development of cervical cancer, which include:

● HPV Infection: HPV is the primary cause of cervical cancer and is responsible for over 90% of diagnoses.

● Smoking: Tobacco use has been linked to an increased risk of cervical cancer.

● Long-term Use of Oral Contraceptives: Prolonged use of certain birth control pills may contribute to the risk.

Prevention:

While there is no guarantee to prevent cervical cancer, maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, routine screenings, and the HPV vaccine all help to reduce the risk. The Center for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends beginning the HPV vaccine series as low as the age of 9 with the possibility of continuing from age 27 to 45.

Women should also seek screening for cervical cancer every 5–10 years starting at age 30. Screening includes cervical cytology (also called the Pap test or Pap smear) and testing for human papillomavirus (HPV). Getting routinely checked has been known to save lives, with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologistssaying the number of cervical cancer cases and deaths has decreased by one-half over the past 30 years.

Symptoms and Treatment:

Cervical cancer may not cause noticeable signs and symptoms in its early stages, which is why regular screening is important for early detection. As the cancer progresses, symptoms may become more apparent. Some common symptoms of cervical cancer include:

● Abnormal vaginal bleeding

● Pelvic pain

● Vaginal discharge

● Pain during urination

● Back pain or leg swelling

● Weight loss, fatigue, and loss of appetite

If cervical cancer develops, it’s often treated with surgery to remove the cancer. Other treatments can include chemotherapy or targeted therapy medicines to kill the cancer cells. Radiation therapy is also used along with low-dose chemotherapy.

A Global Call to Action:

The World Health Organization (WHO) has set out a global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2120. To guide countries towards achieving this goal by 2030, three specific targets have been established:

● 90% of girls vaccinated with the HPV vaccine by age 15.

● 70% of women screened with a high-quality test by ages 35 and 45.

● 90% of women with cervical disease receiving treatment.

By achieving this goal, the WHO estimates that 74 million new cases of cervical cancer can be averted, and 62 million deaths can be avoided.

Cervical Cancer Awareness Month is a time to raise awareness about cervical cancer and get informed, get screened, and get vaccinated. Committing to this is not just a matter of health; it’s also a human right. Participating in Cervical Cancer Awareness Month contributes to the global effort to eradicate preventable diseases and promote a healthier, more equitable world.

. . .

Sources:

World Health Organization: Cervical Cancer Awareness Month 2023

Tenessee Health Department: Cervical Cancer Information and Screening Guidelines

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Cancer Statistics At a Glance

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Cervical Cancer

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Cervical Cancer Screening

Get the latest updates from Health Hero